Mateo goes on Mariners inactive list

Relief pitcher's pay reinstated while he undergoes counseling

Julio Mateo's 10-day suspension ended Wednesday, but it doesn't look as if he'll be returning to the field any time soon.

The Mariners placed their troubled reliever, whom they had previously optioned to Triple-A Tacoma, on the inactive list, which will keep him out of action indefinitely.

Unlike during his suspension, Mateo, who is in the first year of a one-year, $1.875 million contract with an option, will be paid while on the list.

Mateo, 29, was arrested May 5 in New York after police say he punched, bit and choked his wife, Aurea, during an argument at the team's hotel. Mateo spent a night in jail and was charged with third-degree assault. He must return to court June 15 in Manhattan to answer the charges.

Mateo is undergoing counseling through the Mariners' employee assistance program. General manager Bill Bavasi said whether or when Mateo is restored to the active Triple-A roster will be determined with input from his counselor and will not be tied to the conclusion of the legal case against him. There is no set limit to the amount of time a player can remain on the inactive list.

"We're trying to operate with some guidance from the EAP counselor," Bavasi said. "I'm not laying it all at her feet. We're just getting some guidance. Ultimately it will be our decision."

Mateo is working out on his own, under the club's supervision. He is eligible to work out at Cheney Stadium with the Rainiers but won't while on the inactive list.

As for whether Mateo will ever again wear a Mariners uniform, Bavasi said no decision has been made. "That's way too far in the future," he said.

Bavasi said Mateo has done everything the club has asked since the incident.

"He's contrite and cooperative," he said. "He understands the gravity of this situation, let's put it that way."